About 5 years ago, I was sitting inside the Depaul student center, eating Subway and scribbling a site-map on a napkin. It was during a lunch break at another job I had, which in itself was just one of many as I tried to make a way in the music world. A couple weeks after that I was in Austin, Texas for SXSW repping rubyhornet, and a couple weeks after that I quit all my other jobs and rubyhornet.com was born. It’s fairly surreal to write this, but as we come up on the 5-year anniversary of the site, I am now sitting at my computer, trying to scribble out this final post. Effective today, I am stepping down as Editor-In-Chief of rubyhornet and saying goodbye to the site, the brand, and the movement that has been such a huge part of my life over the last half-decade.
Like most big decisions, there are a lot of factors and influences involved. As much as I love rubyhornet and what I’ve been able to do as part of the site, it’s time for me to move on and start a new phase of my career, one that is centered building Closed Sessions into a premier independent Hip Hop label for Chicago’s Hip Hop community, and for indie artists across the country that want to make great music with great stories. We are at a very unique and special time in Chicago Hip Hop history, one that may not come again. I feel like Closed Sessions has a chance to be our own version of Rawkus, Stones Throw, Fat Beats, Decon, Fool’s Gold, Duck Down etc, and I can’t wait to make that a reality.
I just want to thank everyone who has supported me and rubyhornet over the last few years (and some of you reading this have been holding me down even long before that). RubyHornet is nothing without the people, and that has always been my approach to running the site. From Freestyle In The Park, to Digital Freshness, to Closed Sessions, we have always worked hard to create new ways to present talented artists and their music. I feel like RubyHornet is an undeniable part of Chicago’s Hip Hop community, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I have enjoyed as part of such a dope site and a great (although small) team that put the music and the culture ahead of everything else.
That exact spirit and desire is what I’m taking with me to Closed Sessions and ClosedSessions.com where you can find our newest documentaries, music releases, and work with Closed Sessions artists and contributors such as Alex Wiley, Vic Mensa, Curren$y, Tree, Thelonious Martin, Action Bronson, Raekwon, and countless others who we’ve really embraced what we are doing.
While it may not be totally the same, RubyHornet will still go on and provide a much needed outlet for many talented artists. Sean CK will be handling things during this transition, and Pedro will be posting as well. You can hit Sean at SeanCK@rubyhornet.com. I’ve taught him and well, and rh is in good hands for now.
Again, thank you to everyone that has given their support throughout the years. There are way too many of you to name. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions, feedback, whatever. You can reach me at Alex@ClosedSessions.com or via twitter @dj_rtc.
Please follow @closedsessions on Twitter and Instagram. Check ClosedSessions.com for new Closed Sessions music and documentaries, upcoming Digital Freshness dates, interviews, and more.